The strangest town names in every state

1 of 50

Alabama: Lick Skillet

Though all you'll find in this tiny village is a big old building called the Music Barn and a few storage buildings, it does have a pretty odd story behind its moniker. Named after a brawl in which two relatives got into a fight, one was hit by a skillet in which it was reported "he licked him with the skillet." There was also another Lickskillet in Alabama at one point (without a colorful backstory), but that one's now known as Oxford.

PHOTO: Andrea D'Agosto

2 of 50

Alaska: Deadhorse

There are a number of theories about the name of this super-tiny town, which only has about 35 people (mostly workers). One describes a potential investor to the town as remaking that he "wouldn't want to put money into feeding a dead horse." Another says that an early company in the area had an exclusive contract to cart away dead horses from Fairbanks. Either way, the name remains.

This distinctive name came from a nearby train station, which was named after a railroad official in St. Louis.

PHOTO: Thomas R Machnitzki via Wikimedia Commons

5 of 50

California: Rough and Ready

A mining company that paid homage to the nickname of General and President Zachary Taylor inspired this town's name. Today, it's more of a tourist stop, but around 1,000 people call Rough and Ready home.

PHOTO: Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge

6 of 50

Colorado: Hygiene

This unincorporated community was named for a nearby sanitarium that helped tuberculosis patients. Here's one of the oldest buildings in the community, the Church of the Brethren, which dates back to 1888.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

7 of 50

Connecticut: Hazardville

This town isn't filled with danger but with charming historical buildings. Hazardville got its name from Colonel Hazard, who owned the Hazard Gunpowder Company.

PHOTO: Historic Map Works

8 of 50

Delaware: Slaughter Beach

Local legends attribute this name to either the springtime masses of horseshoe crabs that come to lay their eggs or simply from a circa-1800s postmaster with the last name.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

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9 of 50

Florida: Treasure Island

Property owners attempted to boost sales in this town by burying wooden chests they pretended held treasure. Today, the theme is still strong in this community with many pirate-themed businesses, in addition to more tasteful high-rises and vacation homes.

PHOTO: Richard Cummins

10 of 50

Georgia: Hopeulikit

This small town got its distinctive name from a 1920s dance hall called "Hope You Like It."

Nope, not a town filled with people named Kurtis, but a town named for A.G. Curtis, who had a general store that became the town's post office.

PHOTO: ullstein bild

12 of 50

Idaho: Slickpoo

Giggle all you want, but this extremely tiny unincorporated town isn't filled with, um, hazards. Instead, it's named after Josiah Slickpoo, who provided a site for a church.

PHOTO: John Elk

13 of 50

Illinois: Goofy Ridge

After a night of drinking, a game warden declared he was sober enough to shoot a walnut off someone's head. After successfully shooting the walnut off a volunteer's head, it was said to be "one damned goofy thing to do" and the name stuck. Today, Goofy Ridge is notable for being close to the beautiful Henry Allan Gleason Nature Preserve, shown here.

After a dispute on what to name the town (after its previous name was actually in use), a blindfolded mayor pointed at Jamaica on a map to gives this town its name.

PHOTO: Ashton B. Crew via Wikimedia

16 of 50

Kansas: Canada (and Ottawa)

It's not a coincidence: This town was founded by the sons of the former Speaker of the Canadian Senate in 1883. Then, lots of Canadians soon followed.There's also an Ottawa, Kansas (shown here, circa 1942), but that's named for the Native American tribe instead of the city in Canada.

Thank the Houlton Lumber Company, whose slogan was simply "You Need Us." You might find this town on your way to the Global Wildlife Center where you can meet interesting animals like this rhea.

PHOTO: Vegasjon via Wikimedia

19 of 50

Maine: Norway

There isn't anything strange about Norway, but the story behind it is. The town name is the result of a clerical error after someone misheard the original name: Norage.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

20 of 50

Maryland: Martin's Additions

After Harry M. Martin bought land from nearby Chevy Chase (shown here), the holdings were named "Martin's Additions to Chevy Chase" and then a 1985 referendum passed to incorporate Martin's Additions as its own separate town.

Legend has it that Postmaster Jim Eaton's constant usage of "so-so" in regards to how he was doing or feeling was the catalyst for this name.

PHOTO: Jimmy Emerson DVM via Flickr Creative Commons

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25 of 50

Missouri: Tightwad

This town was indeed (allegedly) named out of spite after an incident in which a store owner ripped off a postman on a transaction. One of the smallest towns on our list, the population of Tightwad was around 64 people at the time of the 2010 Census.

PHOTO: Granger Meador via Flickr

26 of 50

Montana: Anaconda

The town founder originally wanted to call it "Copperopolis," but that was surprisingly taken. Instead, he decided on "Anaconda," after his mining company. Fun fact: Lucille Ball spent some of her childhood here!

PHOTO: Carl Iwasaki/The LIFE Images Collection

27 of 50

Nebraska: Surprise

Settlers were surprised that the land was so much better than they previously expected. One of the biggest draws in the early 20th century was the modestly-sized Surprise Opera House, shown here.

Though it may not immediately jump out as an odd name to you, its rumored translation will make you laugh. Allegedly, back in the 1800s, a railroad speculator of ample proportions visited the now-tiny town and inspired the Paiute to coin this name — which (again, allegedly) means "Ample Posterior."

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

29 of 50

New Hampshire: Dummer

It's not a commentary on intelligence but instead a tribute to former Massachusetts Governor William Dummer. Tourists still visit the town to see the scenery, especially the gorgeous Pontook Reservoir (formerly Pontook Lake, seen in this 1908 post card).

Formerly Hot Springs, the town was named after the NBC radio show of the same name. Host Ralph Edwards promised to visit the first town to name itself after the program.

PHOTO: Visions of America/UIG

32 of 50

New York: Horseheads

It's not quite the most glamorous of origin stories, but this town got its name from the remains of Military Pack horses who belonged to the armies of Major-General John Sullivan and has passed in the 1779.

PHOTO: Smith Collection/Gado

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33 of 50

North Carolina: Lizard Lick

Famous for the reality show Lizard Lick Towing and a 1998 launch of "Yoshi's Story" video game; Lizard Lick was actually named after passerbys noticed lizards licking themselves. Perhaps the sight looked a bit like these Australian lizards?

PHOTO: SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty

34 of 50

North Dakota: Zap

Particulars of the naming of this town are mysterious, though some like to believe it was named after a prominent banking family with the last name Zapp. Mostly well known for its "Zip to Zap" riot.

PHOTO: Andrew Filer via Flickr

35 of 50

Ohio: Pee Pee

One of a few townships around Lake White, this was named after the Pee Pee Creek that took its name from a settler who carved his initials "P.P." on a nearby tree.

PHOTO: Aesopposea via Wikimedia

36 of 50

Oklahoma: Slaughterville

Though it sounds like it would be the setting for a horror movie, this small town of around 4,000 people was named after a small business owned by a resident named Jim Slaughter. On an even nicer note, it's the location of WildCare Foundation, which helps injured wildlife (like this majestic owl).

PHOTO: Rex Brown via Flickr

37 of 50

Oregon: Boring

Named after a Union soldier, William H Boring, Boring became a sister city with "Dull, Scotland" to help promote tourism between the two cities.

PHOTO: Jeff Hitchcock via Flickr

38 of 50

Pennsylvania: Intercourse

Several theories range from it being named due to crossing intersections or as a symbolism of social interaction and faith. Regardless, this town features some of the most stolen signs in the country due to its unique name.

PHOTO: Education Images/Getty

39 of 50

Rhode Island: Woonsocket

A waterfall by the same name likely inspired this town. Some say that the name means "thunder mist," which certainly supports the waterfall-as-inspiration theory.

PHOTO: Jack Delano/Library Of Congress

40 of 50

South Carolina: Pumpkintown

Named by a visitor who was in awe of the large pumpkins grown on the nearby Oolenoy River. Of course, one of the highlights of the year is a local festival that includes pumpkins of all sizes.

There is no definitive explanation on "Nameless." But, hey, even that fact makes the unincorporated community very distinctive.

PHOTO: Brian Stansberry via Wikimedia

43 of 50

Texas: Ding Dong

Early settlers Bert and Zulis Bell hired a painter named C.C. Hoover to create a logo for their country store. Hoover was advised to be creative by Fred Foster and created a logo with two bells and underneath each right "ding" and "dong."

PHOTO: Oyoyoy via Wikimedia

44 of 50

Utah: Hurricane

Strong winds were the remarkable feature of this town when it was founded by Erastus Snow. A whirlwind blew off the top of his buggy.

PHOTO: Adam Foster via Flickr

45 of 50

Vermont: Tinmouth

This beautiful (and tiny) town is thought to be inspired by two English towns that have similar-sounding names: Tynemouth and Teignmouth.

PHOTO: Jared and Corin via Wikimedia

46 of 50

Virginia: Tightsqueeze

It was truly a tight squeeze for travelers navigating a narrow highway between two shops in the 1800s, giving rise to the town's name. It's much easier to navigate the streets these days, especially if you're en route to nearby Danville (shown here). P.S. If you were wondering where the "Made in the USA" IKEA pieces come from, it's Danville! This city is home to Swedwood, a subsidiary of the Swedish brand.

PHOTO: Miguel Gereda via Wikimedia

47 of 50

Washington: Medical Lake

Founded in 1888, this town is named for its beautiful lake that was thought to have healing powers.

Though there are other Egg Harbors in the United States, Wisconsin's has an odd backstory that makes it worthy of this list. The village was named for a truly epic egg fight that occurred when a six-boat trading flotilla competed for a same spot of land.

PHOTO: A.amitkumar via Wikimedia

50 of 50

Wyoming: Chugwater

There once was a herd of bison that, when chased by hunters, fell off a cliff into a stream. The hunters had said the sound of this event sounded like someone "chugging." Thus, the name Chugwater. Today, it's home to the oldest soda fountain in the state, in case you're thirsty.

Though all you'll find in this tiny village is a big old building called the Music Barn and a few storage buildings, it does have a pretty odd story behind its moniker. Named after a brawl in which two relatives got into a fight, one was hit by a skillet in which it was reported "he licked him with the skillet." There was also another Lickskillet in Alabama at one point (without a colorful backstory), but that one's now known as Oxford.

PHOTO: Andrea D'Agosto

Alaska: Deadhorse

There are a number of theories about the name of this super-tiny town, which only has about 35 people (mostly workers). One describes a potential investor to the town as remaking that he "wouldn't want to put money into feeding a dead horse." Another says that an early company in the area had an exclusive contract to cart away dead horses from Fairbanks. Either way, the name remains.

This distinctive name came from a nearby train station, which was named after a railroad official in St. Louis.

PHOTO: Thomas R Machnitzki via Wikimedia Commons

California: Rough and Ready

A mining company that paid homage to the nickname of General and President Zachary Taylor inspired this town's name. Today, it's more of a tourist stop, but around 1,000 people call Rough and Ready home.

PHOTO: Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge

Colorado: Hygiene

This unincorporated community was named for a nearby sanitarium that helped tuberculosis patients. Here's one of the oldest buildings in the community, the Church of the Brethren, which dates back to 1888.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

Connecticut: Hazardville

This town isn't filled with danger but with charming historical buildings. Hazardville got its name from Colonel Hazard, who owned the Hazard Gunpowder Company.

PHOTO: Historic Map Works

Delaware: Slaughter Beach

Local legends attribute this name to either the springtime masses of horseshoe crabs that come to lay their eggs or simply from a circa-1800s postmaster with the last name.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

Florida: Treasure Island

Property owners attempted to boost sales in this town by burying wooden chests they pretended held treasure. Today, the theme is still strong in this community with many pirate-themed businesses, in addition to more tasteful high-rises and vacation homes.

PHOTO: Richard Cummins

Georgia: Hopeulikit

This small town got its distinctive name from a 1920s dance hall called "Hope You Like It."

Nope, not a town filled with people named Kurtis, but a town named for A.G. Curtis, who had a general store that became the town's post office.

PHOTO: ullstein bild

Idaho: Slickpoo

Giggle all you want, but this extremely tiny unincorporated town isn't filled with, um, hazards. Instead, it's named after Josiah Slickpoo, who provided a site for a church.

PHOTO: John Elk

Illinois: Goofy Ridge

After a night of drinking, a game warden declared he was sober enough to shoot a walnut off someone's head. After successfully shooting the walnut off a volunteer's head, it was said to be "one damned goofy thing to do" and the name stuck. Today, Goofy Ridge is notable for being close to the beautiful Henry Allan Gleason Nature Preserve, shown here.

After a dispute on what to name the town (after its previous name was actually in use), a blindfolded mayor pointed at Jamaica on a map to gives this town its name.

PHOTO: Ashton B. Crew via Wikimedia

Kansas: Canada (and Ottawa)

It's not a coincidence: This town was founded by the sons of the former Speaker of the Canadian Senate in 1883. Then, lots of Canadians soon followed.There's also an Ottawa, Kansas (shown here, circa 1942), but that's named for the Native American tribe instead of the city in Canada.

Thank the Houlton Lumber Company, whose slogan was simply "You Need Us." You might find this town on your way to the Global Wildlife Center where you can meet interesting animals like this rhea.

PHOTO: Vegasjon via Wikimedia

Maine: Norway

There isn't anything strange about Norway, but the story behind it is. The town name is the result of a clerical error after someone misheard the original name: Norage.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

Maryland: Martin's Additions

After Harry M. Martin bought land from nearby Chevy Chase (shown here), the holdings were named "Martin's Additions to Chevy Chase" and then a 1985 referendum passed to incorporate Martin's Additions as its own separate town.

Legend has it that Postmaster Jim Eaton's constant usage of "so-so" in regards to how he was doing or feeling was the catalyst for this name.

PHOTO: Jimmy Emerson DVM via Flickr Creative Commons

Missouri: Tightwad

This town was indeed (allegedly) named out of spite after an incident in which a store owner ripped off a postman on a transaction. One of the smallest towns on our list, the population of Tightwad was around 64 people at the time of the 2010 Census.

PHOTO: Granger Meador via Flickr

Montana: Anaconda

The town founder originally wanted to call it "Copperopolis," but that was surprisingly taken. Instead, he decided on "Anaconda," after his mining company. Fun fact: Lucille Ball spent some of her childhood here!

PHOTO: Carl Iwasaki/The LIFE Images Collection

Nebraska: Surprise

Settlers were surprised that the land was so much better than they previously expected. One of the biggest draws in the early 20th century was the modestly-sized Surprise Opera House, shown here.

Though it may not immediately jump out as an odd name to you, its rumored translation will make you laugh. Allegedly, back in the 1800s, a railroad speculator of ample proportions visited the now-tiny town and inspired the Paiute to coin this name — which (again, allegedly) means "Ample Posterior."

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

New Hampshire: Dummer

It's not a commentary on intelligence but instead a tribute to former Massachusetts Governor William Dummer. Tourists still visit the town to see the scenery, especially the gorgeous Pontook Reservoir (formerly Pontook Lake, seen in this 1908 post card).

Formerly Hot Springs, the town was named after the NBC radio show of the same name. Host Ralph Edwards promised to visit the first town to name itself after the program.

PHOTO: Visions of America/UIG

New York: Horseheads

It's not quite the most glamorous of origin stories, but this town got its name from the remains of Military Pack horses who belonged to the armies of Major-General John Sullivan and has passed in the 1779.

PHOTO: Smith Collection/Gado

North Carolina: Lizard Lick

Famous for the reality show Lizard Lick Towing and a 1998 launch of "Yoshi's Story" video game; Lizard Lick was actually named after passerbys noticed lizards licking themselves. Perhaps the sight looked a bit like these Australian lizards?

PHOTO: SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty

North Dakota: Zap

Particulars of the naming of this town are mysterious, though some like to believe it was named after a prominent banking family with the last name Zapp. Mostly well known for its "Zip to Zap" riot.

PHOTO: Andrew Filer via Flickr

Ohio: Pee Pee

One of a few townships around Lake White, this was named after the Pee Pee Creek that took its name from a settler who carved his initials "P.P." on a nearby tree.

PHOTO: Aesopposea via Wikimedia

Oklahoma: Slaughterville

Though it sounds like it would be the setting for a horror movie, this small town of around 4,000 people was named after a small business owned by a resident named Jim Slaughter. On an even nicer note, it's the location of WildCare Foundation, which helps injured wildlife (like this majestic owl).

PHOTO: Rex Brown via Flickr

Oregon: Boring

Named after a Union soldier, William H Boring, Boring became a sister city with "Dull, Scotland" to help promote tourism between the two cities.

PHOTO: Jeff Hitchcock via Flickr

Pennsylvania: Intercourse

Several theories range from it being named due to crossing intersections or as a symbolism of social interaction and faith. Regardless, this town features some of the most stolen signs in the country due to its unique name.

PHOTO: Education Images/Getty

Rhode Island: Woonsocket

A waterfall by the same name likely inspired this town. Some say that the name means "thunder mist," which certainly supports the waterfall-as-inspiration theory.

PHOTO: Jack Delano/Library Of Congress

South Carolina: Pumpkintown

Named by a visitor who was in awe of the large pumpkins grown on the nearby Oolenoy River. Of course, one of the highlights of the year is a local festival that includes pumpkins of all sizes.

There is no definitive explanation on "Nameless." But, hey, even that fact makes the unincorporated community very distinctive.

PHOTO: Brian Stansberry via Wikimedia

Texas: Ding Dong

Early settlers Bert and Zulis Bell hired a painter named C.C. Hoover to create a logo for their country store. Hoover was advised to be creative by Fred Foster and created a logo with two bells and underneath each right "ding" and "dong."

PHOTO: Oyoyoy via Wikimedia

Utah: Hurricane

Strong winds were the remarkable feature of this town when it was founded by Erastus Snow. A whirlwind blew off the top of his buggy.

PHOTO: Adam Foster via Flickr

Vermont: Tinmouth

This beautiful (and tiny) town is thought to be inspired by two English towns that have similar-sounding names: Tynemouth and Teignmouth.

PHOTO: Jared and Corin via Wikimedia

Virginia: Tightsqueeze

It was truly a tight squeeze for travelers navigating a narrow highway between two shops in the 1800s, giving rise to the town's name. It's much easier to navigate the streets these days, especially if you're en route to nearby Danville (shown here). P.S. If you were wondering where the "Made in the USA" IKEA pieces come from, it's Danville! This city is home to Swedwood, a subsidiary of the Swedish brand.

PHOTO: Miguel Gereda via Wikimedia

Washington: Medical Lake

Founded in 1888, this town is named for its beautiful lake that was thought to have healing powers.

Though there are other Egg Harbors in the United States, Wisconsin's has an odd backstory that makes it worthy of this list. The village was named for a truly epic egg fight that occurred when a six-boat trading flotilla competed for a same spot of land.

PHOTO: A.amitkumar via Wikimedia

Wyoming: Chugwater

There once was a herd of bison that, when chased by hunters, fell off a cliff into a stream. The hunters had said the sound of this event sounded like someone "chugging." Thus, the name Chugwater. Today, it's home to the oldest soda fountain in the state, in case you're thirsty.

Though all you'll find in this tiny village is a big old building called the Music Barn and a few storage buildings, it does have a pretty odd story behind its moniker. Named after a brawl in which two relatives got into a fight, one was hit by a skillet in which it was reported "he licked him with the skillet." There was also another Lickskillet in Alabama at one point (without a colorful backstory), but that one's now known as Oxford.

PHOTO: Andrea D'Agosto

Alaska: Deadhorse

There are a number of theories about the name of this super-tiny town, which only has about 35 people (mostly workers). One describes a potential investor to the town as remaking that he "wouldn't want to put money into feeding a dead horse." Another says that an early company in the area had an exclusive contract to cart away dead horses from Fairbanks. Either way, the name remains.

This distinctive name came from a nearby train station, which was named after a railroad official in St. Louis.

PHOTO: Thomas R Machnitzki via Wikimedia Commons

California: Rough and Ready

A mining company that paid homage to the nickname of General and President Zachary Taylor inspired this town's name. Today, it's more of a tourist stop, but around 1,000 people call Rough and Ready home.

PHOTO: Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge

Colorado: Hygiene

This unincorporated community was named for a nearby sanitarium that helped tuberculosis patients. Here's one of the oldest buildings in the community, the Church of the Brethren, which dates back to 1888.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

Connecticut: Hazardville

This town isn't filled with danger but with charming historical buildings. Hazardville got its name from Colonel Hazard, who owned the Hazard Gunpowder Company.

PHOTO: Historic Map Works

Delaware: Slaughter Beach

Local legends attribute this name to either the springtime masses of horseshoe crabs that come to lay their eggs or simply from a circa-1800s postmaster with the last name.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

Florida: Treasure Island

Property owners attempted to boost sales in this town by burying wooden chests they pretended held treasure. Today, the theme is still strong in this community with many pirate-themed businesses, in addition to more tasteful high-rises and vacation homes.

PHOTO: Richard Cummins

Georgia: Hopeulikit

This small town got its distinctive name from a 1920s dance hall called "Hope You Like It."

Nope, not a town filled with people named Kurtis, but a town named for A.G. Curtis, who had a general store that became the town's post office.

PHOTO: ullstein bild

Idaho: Slickpoo

Giggle all you want, but this extremely tiny unincorporated town isn't filled with, um, hazards. Instead, it's named after Josiah Slickpoo, who provided a site for a church.

PHOTO: John Elk

Illinois: Goofy Ridge

After a night of drinking, a game warden declared he was sober enough to shoot a walnut off someone's head. After successfully shooting the walnut off a volunteer's head, it was said to be "one damned goofy thing to do" and the name stuck. Today, Goofy Ridge is notable for being close to the beautiful Henry Allan Gleason Nature Preserve, shown here.

After a dispute on what to name the town (after its previous name was actually in use), a blindfolded mayor pointed at Jamaica on a map to gives this town its name.

PHOTO: Ashton B. Crew via Wikimedia

Kansas: Canada (and Ottawa)

It's not a coincidence: This town was founded by the sons of the former Speaker of the Canadian Senate in 1883. Then, lots of Canadians soon followed.There's also an Ottawa, Kansas (shown here, circa 1942), but that's named for the Native American tribe instead of the city in Canada.

Thank the Houlton Lumber Company, whose slogan was simply "You Need Us." You might find this town on your way to the Global Wildlife Center where you can meet interesting animals like this rhea.

PHOTO: Vegasjon via Wikimedia

Maine: Norway

There isn't anything strange about Norway, but the story behind it is. The town name is the result of a clerical error after someone misheard the original name: Norage.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

Maryland: Martin's Additions

After Harry M. Martin bought land from nearby Chevy Chase (shown here), the holdings were named "Martin's Additions to Chevy Chase" and then a 1985 referendum passed to incorporate Martin's Additions as its own separate town.

Legend has it that Postmaster Jim Eaton's constant usage of "so-so" in regards to how he was doing or feeling was the catalyst for this name.

PHOTO: Jimmy Emerson DVM via Flickr Creative Commons

Missouri: Tightwad

This town was indeed (allegedly) named out of spite after an incident in which a store owner ripped off a postman on a transaction. One of the smallest towns on our list, the population of Tightwad was around 64 people at the time of the 2010 Census.

PHOTO: Granger Meador via Flickr

Montana: Anaconda

The town founder originally wanted to call it "Copperopolis," but that was surprisingly taken. Instead, he decided on "Anaconda," after his mining company. Fun fact: Lucille Ball spent some of her childhood here!

PHOTO: Carl Iwasaki/The LIFE Images Collection

Nebraska: Surprise

Settlers were surprised that the land was so much better than they previously expected. One of the biggest draws in the early 20th century was the modestly-sized Surprise Opera House, shown here.

Though it may not immediately jump out as an odd name to you, its rumored translation will make you laugh. Allegedly, back in the 1800s, a railroad speculator of ample proportions visited the now-tiny town and inspired the Paiute to coin this name — which (again, allegedly) means "Ample Posterior."

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

New Hampshire: Dummer

It's not a commentary on intelligence but instead a tribute to former Massachusetts Governor William Dummer. Tourists still visit the town to see the scenery, especially the gorgeous Pontook Reservoir (formerly Pontook Lake, seen in this 1908 post card).

Formerly Hot Springs, the town was named after the NBC radio show of the same name. Host Ralph Edwards promised to visit the first town to name itself after the program.

PHOTO: Visions of America/UIG

New York: Horseheads

It's not quite the most glamorous of origin stories, but this town got its name from the remains of Military Pack horses who belonged to the armies of Major-General John Sullivan and has passed in the 1779.

PHOTO: Smith Collection/Gado

North Carolina: Lizard Lick

Famous for the reality show Lizard Lick Towing and a 1998 launch of "Yoshi's Story" video game; Lizard Lick was actually named after passerbys noticed lizards licking themselves. Perhaps the sight looked a bit like these Australian lizards?

PHOTO: SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty

North Dakota: Zap

Particulars of the naming of this town are mysterious, though some like to believe it was named after a prominent banking family with the last name Zapp. Mostly well known for its "Zip to Zap" riot.

PHOTO: Andrew Filer via Flickr

Ohio: Pee Pee

One of a few townships around Lake White, this was named after the Pee Pee Creek that took its name from a settler who carved his initials "P.P." on a nearby tree.

PHOTO: Aesopposea via Wikimedia

Oklahoma: Slaughterville

Though it sounds like it would be the setting for a horror movie, this small town of around 4,000 people was named after a small business owned by a resident named Jim Slaughter. On an even nicer note, it's the location of WildCare Foundation, which helps injured wildlife (like this majestic owl).

PHOTO: Rex Brown via Flickr

Oregon: Boring

Named after a Union soldier, William H Boring, Boring became a sister city with "Dull, Scotland" to help promote tourism between the two cities.

PHOTO: Jeff Hitchcock via Flickr

Pennsylvania: Intercourse

Several theories range from it being named due to crossing intersections or as a symbolism of social interaction and faith. Regardless, this town features some of the most stolen signs in the country due to its unique name.

PHOTO: Education Images/Getty

Rhode Island: Woonsocket

A waterfall by the same name likely inspired this town. Some say that the name means "thunder mist," which certainly supports the waterfall-as-inspiration theory.

PHOTO: Jack Delano/Library Of Congress

South Carolina: Pumpkintown

Named by a visitor who was in awe of the large pumpkins grown on the nearby Oolenoy River. Of course, one of the highlights of the year is a local festival that includes pumpkins of all sizes.

There is no definitive explanation on "Nameless." But, hey, even that fact makes the unincorporated community very distinctive.

PHOTO: Brian Stansberry via Wikimedia

Texas: Ding Dong

Early settlers Bert and Zulis Bell hired a painter named C.C. Hoover to create a logo for their country store. Hoover was advised to be creative by Fred Foster and created a logo with two bells and underneath each right "ding" and "dong."

PHOTO: Oyoyoy via Wikimedia

Utah: Hurricane

Strong winds were the remarkable feature of this town when it was founded by Erastus Snow. A whirlwind blew off the top of his buggy.

PHOTO: Adam Foster via Flickr

Vermont: Tinmouth

This beautiful (and tiny) town is thought to be inspired by two English towns that have similar-sounding names: Tynemouth and Teignmouth.

PHOTO: Jared and Corin via Wikimedia

Virginia: Tightsqueeze

It was truly a tight squeeze for travelers navigating a narrow highway between two shops in the 1800s, giving rise to the town's name. It's much easier to navigate the streets these days, especially if you're en route to nearby Danville (shown here). P.S. If you were wondering where the "Made in the USA" IKEA pieces come from, it's Danville! This city is home to Swedwood, a subsidiary of the Swedish brand.

PHOTO: Miguel Gereda via Wikimedia

Washington: Medical Lake

Founded in 1888, this town is named for its beautiful lake that was thought to have healing powers.

Though there are other Egg Harbors in the United States, Wisconsin's has an odd backstory that makes it worthy of this list. The village was named for a truly epic egg fight that occurred when a six-boat trading flotilla competed for a same spot of land.

PHOTO: A.amitkumar via Wikimedia

Wyoming: Chugwater

There once was a herd of bison that, when chased by hunters, fell off a cliff into a stream. The hunters had said the sound of this event sounded like someone "chugging." Thus, the name Chugwater. Today, it's home to the oldest soda fountain in the state, in case you're thirsty.

PHOTO: Derek Bruff via Flickr

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What's in a name? For a town, quite a bit. A beautiful-sounding name like Savannah or West Palm Beach naturally inspires curiosity. But then again, so does an odd name. We dare you not to be curious about the town of Slickpoo.